We Did Ok, Kid

A Memoir

De: Anthony Hopkins

Narrado por: Kenneth Branagh, Anthony Hopkins

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Academy Award–winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins delves into his illustrious film and theater career, difficult childhood, and path to sobriety in his honest, moving, and long-awaited memoir.

Born and raised in Port Talbot—a small Welsh steelworks town—amid war and depression, Sir Anthony Hopkins grew up around men who were tough, to say the least, and eschewed all forms of emotional vulnerability in favor of alcoholism and brutality. A struggling student in school, he was deemed by his peers, his parents, and other adults as a failure with no future ahead of him. But, on a fateful Saturday night, the disregarded Welsh boy watched the 1948 adaptation of Hamlet, sparking a passion for acting that would lead him on a path that no one could have predicted.

With candor and a voice that is both arresting and vulnerable, Sir Anthony recounts his various career milestones and provides a once-in-a-lifetime look into the brilliance behind some of his most iconic roles. His performance as Iago gets him admitted into the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and places him under the wing of Laurence Olivier. He meets Richard Burton by chance as a young boy in his art teacher’s apartment, and later, backstage before a performance of Equus as an established actor meeting his hero. His iconic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter was informed by the creepy performance of Bela Lugosi in Dracula and the razor-sharp precision of his acting teacher. He pulls raw emotion from the stoicism of his father and grandfather for an unforgettable performance in King Lear.

Sir Anthony also takes a deeply honest look at the low points in his personal life. His addiction cost him his first marriage, his relationship with his only child, and nearly his life—the latter ultimately propelling him toward sobriety, a commitment he has maintained for nearly half a century. He constantly battles against the desire to move through life alone and avoid connection for fear of getting hurt—much like the men in his family—and as the years go by, he deals with questions of mortality, getting ready to discover what his father called The Big Secret.

Featuring a special collection of personal photographs throughout, We Did OK, Kid is a raw and passionate memoir from a complex, iconic man who has inspired audiences with remarkable performances for over sixty years.

Opening with music composed by the author, and narrated by Academy Award winner Sir Kenneth Branagh, the audiobook concludes with Sir Anthony performing a selection of his and his father’s favorite poems.

How Exquisite

The effectiveness of the sharing is amazing and I felt like I had come to know Sir Anthony more deeply than almost anyone in my life

Sir Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins is easily one of my favorite actors. He’s such a humble man. But he also has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, in the best sense possible. If I had one wish for him, it would be that he and his daughter would be reconciled before he’s gone.

The only thing I was disappointed with is the audiobook wasn’t voiced by him. Kenneth Branagh did an excellent job narrating. It just would have been nice to hear it in Hopkins’s voice.

Beautiful

I’ve always been a fan of Anthony Hopkins, both as an artist and a human being. Hearing his life story was wonderful. And Kenneth’s narration was amazing… there were plenty of times when I thought I was listening to Hopkins himself. Beautiful.

Astounding

Anthony Hopkins had an incredible career, but listening to the back story was moving and a revelation. Kenneth Branagh’s wonderful and often hilarious voicings of famous actors we know and love (especially Olivier!) make this an unforgettable memoir. The readings by the author will bring you to tears. He reaches into your soul.

Such a full and candid life

Loved this journey through the pages and growth of Anthony’s life. Superbly read by Brannagh. Not one ounce of ego, quite the reverse, a humble, gentle giant, whose voice resonates off the page.. almost like a bedtime story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️